Neymar's injury hell threatens to derail his career: 16 since 2018 and 640 days out

 One of the most gifted and celebrated footballers of our time, Neymar Jr. is no stranger to the roller coaster ride that is professional sports. His skill, talent and ability to score goals made him a global icon. Behind the scenes, however, he has been dogged by a persistent injury curse since 2018, raising concerns about the long-term impact on his career. Counting the days spent on the sidelines, it's clear that Neymar's journey through this injury has been difficult.

Relentless Wound Woe

Neymar's injury woes began in early 2018 when he suffered a serious metatarsal injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This injury forced him to undergo surgery and miss a significant portion of the season. The following months were a tumultuous period as Neymar struggled to regain his fitness and form.

In 2019, just as he was starting to get his stride back, he suffered another setback. A recurring metatarsal injury plagued him again, keeping him off the pitch and hampering PSG's UEFA Champions League ambitions.

Throughout 2020, the footballing world has watched as Neymar endured another season marred by a series of minor injuries and discomfort. His injury struggles during this time seemed unrelenting and fitness concerns cast shadows over his career.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further complicated matters as football schedules have been disrupted and players have faced unique challenges in maintaining their physical fitness. Neymar was no exception, enduring long periods of uncertainty during the pandemic.

In the 2020-2021 season, his career was burdened by another metatarsal injury. The chain of unfortunate events has left fans wondering if Neymar's incredible talent is slowly fading under the weight of repeated injuries.

Long bylines

The sheer amount of time Neymar has spent on the sidelines with these injuries is staggering. At last count, Neymar has been sidelined for a total of 640 days since 2018. This number reflects not only the physical toll of the injury, but also the emotional and psychological strain that comes with constant rehabilitation and uncertainty.

While some critics have questioned his handling of injuries and speculated that his flamboyant style of play invites more fouls and potential injuries, it is important to acknowledge the sheer bad luck that has accompanied Neymar's injuries. The relentless metatarsal problems were particularly cruel as these injuries are notorious for their lingering effects on footballers.

Career in limbo

Neymar's career remains in a state of limbo as he navigates these recurring injuries. The frustration of not being able to perform at his best was evident in his play, with flashes of brilliance punctuated by long stretches of inconsistency. As a result, PSG and Brazil's hopes often rested on a player who had limited time to train and prepare.

Additionally, Neymar's pursuit of individual awards and accolades has been hampered by his struggles with injuries. In a world where personal accolades hold significant value, missing out on the opportunity to compete for the Ballon d'Or or be recognized as the world's best player was a painful blow.

Neymar's injury hell has been a recurring nightmare that threatens to derail one of the most promising football careers in the world. As he struggles with the physical and emotional challenges of recovering from these injuries, the football community watches and waits in hopes of seeing the return of Neymar, who captivated us with his dazzling skills and passion for the game. Only time will tell if he can overcome this injury curse and continue his journey to greatness. For now, we can only wish him a speedy recovery and hope he finds the strength to bounce back stronger than ever.